Tortricodes alternella

Wingspan 19 to 23 mm. This is a highly variable sometimes sooty looking species that has an unusually narrow wing shape for a Tortrix.

Woodland and well wooded areas particularly those containing the preferred foodplants.

One of the earliest of the Tortricids to be on the wing, this species can be found between February and April, and even appearing in January when conditions are favourable.

The foodplants are a range of trees and bushes, chiefly Oak and Hornbeam, but often also other species. The larva spins together leaves to feed within.

Quite common throughout England, Wales and southern Scotland. It is local in Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

Quite common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident).